Army rape cases ‘won’t move to civilian courts’

RAPE and sexual harassment cases involving soldiers will continue to be heard in military courts, despite fears the current system “is failing to deliver justice”.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed yesterday that the cases would not go to civilian courts – a key recommendation of a landmark report into how women are treated in the Armed Forces.

Critics warned conviction rates in military courts are four to six times lower than in civilian courts.

Defence chiefs have admitted the Atherton Report – written by Conservative MP Sarah Atherton – highlighted “serious challenges”.

More than 4,000 women gave evidence to the Defence SubCommittee on Women in the Armed Forces for its landmark inquiry.

It found 64 per cent of female veterans and 58 per cent of serving women had experienced bullying, harassment or discrimination.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace supported the inquiry by allowing, for the first time, women serving in the forces to give evidence on their experiences to Parliament.

The MoD has pledged greater independence in the handling of complaints, with an “outsourced investigation service” and a central team to handle decisions. But the Centre for Military

Justice said: “The Lords, a judge, a former chief constable, the entire Defence Select Committee and large numbers of service women, men and veterans have all said serious military crimes including rape should be taken out of the military justice system.

“It’s extremely disappointing that the Government has rejected all those calls.”